Japan, the Emperor, and the Army
Known as “the Peace Clause”, Article 9 is the symbol of modern Japan. Its untold story, from 1945 to the current crisis of pacifist values, reveals the hidden face of Japanese post-war history. Will Japan turn away from peaceful ideals, or finally face the demons of its past?
Type (Documentaire / Documentaire fiction / Série documentaire)DocumentaryGenre en anglaisHistory & Investigation Written byKenichi Watanabe assisté de Bruno SmolarzDirected by Kenichi WatanabeSupported by Angoa-Agicoa, CNC, ProcirepDistributed by Arte France Festival(s) Sélection officielle, FIGRA (Le Touquet Paris-Plage, 2010)Year2009Duration60min / 90min
On August 15, 1945, the Japanese people heard the voice of their Emperor for the very irst time. In an unprecedented radio broadcast, Hirohito announced the surrender of Japan. The vanquished empire was about to experience a major upheaval in all areas of society. From the ruins of the Second World War, modern Japan established itself as an economic powerhouse in the shadow of the United States. It adopted a democratic, paciist Constitution while retaining the Emperor, who would never be judged for war crimes.
Today Japan has regained its place as one of the world’s military super-powers. But how did it set up armed forces, forbidden by article 9 of the Constitution? Did it abandon the paciist principles imposed by the victors of the war? Why does the Emperor remain a taboo subject in Japan.
Based on rare archives and previously unreleased interviews, this documentary traces the secret history of post-war Japan. It reveals the contradictions of a people still confronted with memories of the war and militarism, and the threats to the values of peace which are at the heart of its modern identity.
Press coverage
Director Kenichi Watanabe manages to convey the difficulties the Japanese people face in accepting their emperor and their history, which is rooted in traditions deeply embedded in collective memory.
Le Figaro
This documentary (...) takes the form of a meticulous investigation, enriched with archives and interviews that illuminate the historical and political context of Japan in the 20th century.
Le Monde
Kenichi Watanabe clarifies the significance of Article 9. He confronts the arguments of those who wish to uphold its pacifist dimension with those who demand the right to war. In doing so, he delivers a remarkable lesson in history, both past and future.
Ouest France
This remarkable documentary helps to understand the evolution of Japan and the deadlock it has been in since 1945.
Télé Obs
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